Costume Jewelry

When most people think of costume jewelry, they think of it as cheap or tawdry. However, costume jewelry can be an elegant and affordable way to wear jewelry. There are many varieties of jewelry considered to be "costume" that are both fashionable and classy. And some of it even looks like its higher-priced cousins. Merriam-Webster explains that costume jewelry is designed to be worn with current fashions, and made of inexpensive materials. Because of its trendy nature, costume jewelry can be found from many eras. Victorian and Edwardian costume jewelry is sometimes sought after by jewelry aficionados. Costume jewelry from another era, like the 1920s, when worn appropriately, can make a unique fashion statement. Because the materials used to make costume jewelry are inexpensive, the jewelry itself can be quite affordable. Costume jewelry is more than cheap imitation, it is made to be fashionable and complement style. Rather than using white gold or silver, for instance, costume jewelry may use sterling silver. Instead of 24 karat gold, costume jewelry may be gold-plated, or use a lower karat gold (10 or 14). In many cases, this jewelry looks as good as the "genuine" article. Careful craftsmanship of costume jewelry is the key. Another trend in costume jewelry is the use of semi-precious

stones. Opals, garnets, topaz, aquamarine, jasper and other such stones can be very beautiful. Not only are these stones pleasing to the eye, but they are less expensive than their more valuable cousins. They are also more unique and can be used as a conversation piece. Red jasper and opals set in a 10 karat band can be more striking than one large emerald or diamond set in a 24 karat band. It costs less too. By choosing craftsmanship over expensive materials, someone shopping for jewelry, be it earrings, finger rings, necklaces or bracelets, one can find a wealth of beautiful and unique costume jewelry. Not only can it be fashionable, costume jewelry can also be elegant and flattering.